Transforming Lives in Whitehawk: The Encounter Wellness Story
After hearing great things about the difference Encounter Wellness is making in Whitehawk, East Brighton Trust was keen to explore the initiative further and share its story.
It all starts at the Wellsbourne Medical Centre, where local GP Johann McGavin noticed a recurring issue: some patients had tried everything the NHS could offer but still felt stuck. These people weren’t just dealing with medical conditions – they were battling isolation, financial struggles, and the kind of emotional pain that medication alone can’t fix.
“Sometimes patients will tell me that it feels like they’ve hit a brick wall,” says Johann. “That’s when my ears prick up, because these people often need more time and a different approach.”
Together with co-founder and biographical counsellor Gill Richards, Johann envisioned a rehabilitation project that would go beyond prescriptions and appointments. They wanted to create a space where people could truly heal – physically, emotionally, and socially. That vision has become a pioneering collaboration between NHS professionals and complementary therapists, designed to bridge the gaps left by conventional healthcare.
A holistic approach
Arriving at St David’s Hall during an Encounter Wellness session, the atmosphere feels serene, welcoming, and nurturing, reflecting the kindness and compassion that define the initiative.
The ethos here is inspired by ideas from Anthroposophic Medicine which approaches health and well-being in a holistic way – caring for the body, mind and spirit together. Four types of one-to-one therapy are offered: massage, counselling, movement therapy, and art therapy. These sessions are a starting point for people who are often struggling with pain, sleep issues, housing and financial problems, and high levels of anxiety. It’s not uncommon for such people to have barely left their home in ten years.
“Once someone is ready to join the group activities, if they don’t know what direction they want to take, they’re still regularly engaging in learning new skills”, explains Johann. “This isn’t just social reintegration, but also activities like weaving, knitting, or making cards. People begin to realise they can draw or paint again, even if they hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since primary school. That’s another amazing thing to see.”
For Gill, the approach helps break down barriers – both physical and emotional – enabling people to take that crucial first step toward connection.
“For someone who’s feeling in a desperate state, even making it here for the first time – walking five minutes down the road – can feel like an overwhelming hurdle. But with gentle support, they take that first step. Then, over time, they begin to engage, grow, and regain a sense of themselves. Some people reconnect with who they used to be, while others discover aspects of themselves they never fully realised before.”
But it’s important to note that while kindness and supportiveness are integral to this work, the goal is deeper transformation.
“This isn’t just about being ‘nice’ to people” says Johann. “It’s about growth and change – but always at the right time. The challenges start small, but as someone becomes more comfortable, we gradually introduce more challenges to encourage personal growth.”
Tales of transformation
The power of personalised care and community support shines through when you chat with regular attendees. For Claire, Encounter Wellness became a lifeline: “I’ve seen psychiatrists, counsellors, and community psychiatric nurses over the years, but none of them made me feel the way this group does,” says Claire. “The people here truly care – they don’t just give treatment, they help you rediscover yourself.”
Claire recalls a time when she arrived at St David’s Hall exhausted and instead of joining in with activities, she simply fell asleep on the sofa. Instead of feeling judged, she was met with kindness and acceptance. “I woke up, and someone just asked, ‘Did you have a good sleep?’ That’s what makes this place special.”
Outside the hall, work is underway to transform the adjacent space into a vibrant hub for gardening, social gatherings, and creative activities – a place where people can connect with nature, grow together, and celebrate community. For Kenny, volunteering with the gardening project became a turning point:
“Compared to the slump I was in through being unemployed, it’s made a massive difference to my general outlook. And it gets me out of the house and gets me chatting with folk while getting exercise too. It’s an ideal boost.”
Buoyed by his experience, Kenny has also started helping out with the Friends of Sheepcote Valley in East Brighton Park and is exploring other volunteering opportunities to help him find paid work.
Johann highlights the importance of such breakthroughs:
“It’s seeing people who have been stuck for years start to smile, interact, and find their way again. It’s incredibly fulfilling. Every doctor wants to see that kind of transformation, and the therapies alongside the community achieve what doctors can’t do on their own.”
Gill adds:
“This is why we do this work. It’s not just about physical healing – it’s about reconnecting people to their potential, to each other, and to their community. One of the most powerful things for me has been hearing how helpful this project has been. Many people have told us it has completely changed their lives.”
Inspiring the local community
Another heartening outcome of Encounter Wellness has been its impact on the broader local community. Gill, in particular, has witnessed firsthand how the initiative has inspired those around St David’s Hall:
“Even people who aren’t directly involved have expressed how much it means to them. Because we’re based right in the heart of the community, people walk past and see the garden being cared for, see activity inside, and it brings them joy. We’ve also run community events, which have been fantastic. Local people have come along to take part, whether it’s enjoying a fair, helping in the garden, or even repainting the building. Seeing that level of involvement and support is beyond heartwarming – it really highlights the importance of human connection.”
A vision for the future
While Encounter Wellness has already made a significant impact, Johann is eager to expand the program to reach more people in the community:
“I’d love the centre to be open seven days a week, with a variety of different therapeutic and community activities. I want it to engage people creatively and with nature, and help us find a way to do things with less medication – though I’m not anti-medication. As a doctor, I can’t be, there’s a place for it. But I’d love to see people growing food, growing flowers for the community, bringing beauty, belonging, and participation. I want people to thrive, not just survive.”
Get involved
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services at Encounter Wellness, a GP referral is required. The project also warmly welcomes volunteers who’d like to get involved. For more information, contact: info@encounterwellness.org.
Donations to Encounter Wellness are greatly appreciated and can be made via this link.